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FIFTY ORIGINAL 



OUTLINES OF SERMONS 



FOR 



eml ^i Mi§cell(iiieou§ 
Semces. 



BY REV. W. H. WILSON. 



PRICE FIFTY CENTS; 



PUBLISHED AND FOR SALE BY THE AUTHOR, 
DRESDEN, OHIO. 



1 HE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS. 

Twc Copies Received 

MAY 16 1903 

Copyright Entry 
CLASS'^ <^ XXc. No. 

^ C S 

^COPY fci. 



Copyrighted, 1903, by 
I^EV. W. JH. WlbSOjsi, 

Dresden, Ohio, 



INTRODUCTION. 



I have examined the serievS of Outline Sermons pre- 
pared by the Rev. W. H. Wilson, which have proved 
effective in his regular pulpit ministrations, as well as 
in special evangelistic services; it is in the hope that 
they may prove equally useful and helpful to other 
busy Pastors that this series has been prepared for 
publication; and whilst they are not perfect in the 
sense that no improvement can be made in them, and 
are not given to the public with such extravagant 
claimiS, yet in logical arrangem^ent and careful analysis, 
they get at the heart of the text, and will prove help- 
ful and suggestive to those who desire to excel in 
expository preaching. 

By setting the truth at new and beautiful angles 
the author has invested many neglected texts with 
unusual interest. A noted feature ot the outlines is 
their suggestive character, and the great care with 
which the texts have been chosen, as to provide an 
abundance of material for the building of the sermon. 

H. P. Barnks, D. D. 
Dresden, Ohio, February i6, iQOj, 



PASSION FOR SOULS. 



"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel 
is, that they might be saved.'* — Rom. x: i. 

Israel was God's chosen and highly favored people. 
To them pertained the Oracles and Covenants etc. 

THIS DESIRE: 

1. Was born of the constraining love of Christ. 
Christ's Spirit was now acting through Paul. The 
same Spirit will fill our hearts with a like passion. 

2. It also grew out of consanguinity, blood relation. 
These were Paul's own people. How this Holy im- 
pulse should move our hearts to prayer, and supplica- 
tion. These are our people, our loved ones; * 'com- 
pel them." 

3. x\rose from the character of the Salvation. 
Eternal, complete, and the grounds of an indissoluble 
friendship. If won to Christ, friends forever. 

4. It arose from a knowledge of the evanescent 
character of earthly things. We must soon leave it 
all. Like fading flowers the Generations pass away. 
Man's noblest monuments must crumble, etc. ''Soon 
will the season of rescue be o'er. ' ' 



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FIFTY Original o jtlines of Sermons for 



5. It also arose from a knowledge of sin, and its 
consequences. Paul knew it to be the plague and blight 
of the vSoul. That it would bring upon his people the 
wrath of God, even eternal retribution. Is this not 
true with our people, our kindred? Are we not 
alarmed at their danger, do we fl}^ to their rescue? 

PUR£ FROM THE BLOOD OF MEN. 

"Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure 
from the blood of all men." — Acts xx: 26. 

I. SALVATION OF SOULS IS A bTREMENDOUS WORK, A 
WORK INVOLVING INFINITE RESPONSIBILITIES. 

1 . Because we have been rescued by the hand of 
mercy. 

2. We have received an experimental knowledge of 
Redemption. 

3. Because of the solemn obligations laid upon us 
to witness for others; Christ's commands. 

4. Because we are God's only instruments for the 
publication of the Gospel. Angels cannot do this 
work. 

II. WHEN ARE WE GUILTY OP THE BLOOD OF MEN. 

1. When we live as to deny the Gospel. Men are 
put here to testify against the world. 

2. When we by wicked example lead them into 
sin. 

3. When we back-slide and live as to misrepresent 
the Divine life; set up a false ideal. 

4. When we carelessly neglect the work committed 



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to our trust, in warning them and leading them to 
Christ. 

III. WHEN CAN WE SAY THAT WE AKE PURE FROM 
THEIR BLOOD. 

j I. When we have thoroughly warned them. 

2. When we have exemplified Christ in our lives. 

3. When we have prayed, and with tearful plead- 
ing have beseeched them to repent "Sought to com- 
pel them to come in." 

4. When we have PBRSKVKRINGI.Y striven, and ex- 
hausted all our means then are we frkb. Paul la- 
bored day and night. ''Doubtless we shall come with 
rejoicing." 

^^^^^^ 
LIFE'S PERFECT IDEAL. 

^'I have set the Lord always before me." — Psa. xvi, 8. 

The Importance of a true Ideal. The artist, musi- 
cian, sculptor, etc. , all realize this and study the great 
masters in their respective lines of work. The Christ- 
ian should keep the perfect idbaIv always before him. 
Here is a beautiful climax rising step by step to the 
throne. 

1. It WI1.1. INSPIRE TRUST. — ''In thee do I put my 
trust." — (ver. i.) The divine life begins in trusting, 
and this forms the basis of future activities. ''I am 
trusting fully." 

2. Lkads to separation. — ''Nor take their 
names into my lips.'' — (ver. 4.) Have nothing to do 
with the wicked. If w^e keep Christ before us, we will 



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FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



soon loose our appetite for the world and its pleasures, 
and this will solve many perplexing problems. Amuse- 
ments, etc. 

3. Leads TO SOUL SATISFACTION. — ''The Lord is 
the portion of mine inheritance and ot my cup. — (v. 5) 
The Christian will be satisfied. ''Rather be a door- 
keeper. '*The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant 
places.'^ — (ver. 6.) 

4. A PRAiSEFUL SPIRIT. — "I will bless the Lord.'' 
etc. — (ver. 7.) Praise and thanksgiving feed the 
flames of devotion. 

5. Insures hkavknly guidance. ^ — "Thou wilt 
show me the path of life." — (ver. 11.) 

6. Eternal felicity. — "In thy presence there is 
fullness of joy, and at thy right hand there are pleas- 
ures forever more." — (ver. 11.) What a striking 
CLIMAX rising from Life's morn, keeping the Saviour 
always before us until we stand, before the Throne, 
complete in Him. 

LOST OPPORTUNITIES. 

**He found no place of repentance though he sought it care- 
fully with tears." — Heb. xii: 17. 

The world is filled with men and women whose vis- 
ions have faded, and whose hopes have turned to dust 
and ashes in the grave ot disappointment; opportuni- 
ties once lost, forever lost. Let us notice some of the 
opportunities that may be lost, irreparably lost. 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES. 



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1. ThB opportunity for INTEIvT^KCTUAL CUI.TURK. 

What a treasure man has in his mind, what capabili- 
ties, what boundless capacities; yet how many circum- 
scribe and narrow the whole life by loosing opportu- 
nities for development and culture. 

2. TkK opportunity for soul CUI.TURK. — God 

places before each individual a vision that may be re- 
alized, "Changed into the same image." Hawthorn's 
Stone Face, so we may become like Christ as we keep 
the vision constantly before us. Vision may be lost. 

3. Thk opportunity for lkadkrship.— The 
Christian's life is a sphere of chieftaincy. God affords 
each individual an opportunity to enthuse and inspire 
others to heroic service. Man}^ like the Corinthians, 
are babes when they should be strong and helping oth- 
ers; too m.any nursing Christians. How sad it is to 
see a man with vast capabilities a mere Pigmy in the 
church of Christ; the tears of repentance can never 
wipe out mistakes so irreparable. 

4. Thk SOUi. may bk i^oST. — On the rivers of end- 
less ''captivity" the poor vsinner may weep when he 
remembers Zion; what an unspeakable loss, to lose 
the soul. A Vv^orld might catch fire and burn down in- 
to ashes, but the loss of a world is not comparable 
to the loss of a soul, for there will be no place of re- 
pentance, no CROSS radiant with mercy, no Sacrifice, 
no Savior; loss, unspeakable loss. 



10 



FIFTY Original outlines of sermons for 



THE HIGH MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN. 



"O Zion that bringest GOOD tidings get thee into the high 
mountain." — Isa. xl: 9. 

We preach a triumphant Christ, a Gospel of glad 
tidings. Wherever that river flows there is life and 
beauty. Every noble enterprise is an expression of 
His love. Getting into the mountain: 

1. Suggests the idea of getting closer to God. 
Preparation for service, ''Transfiguration." AVork in 
the vales below, 

2. Means a broader vision of the work. We need 
men and women with a vision of a redeemed world im- 
pressed upon their hearts; too many live in the valley, 
and have not the inspiration of the broader outlook. 

3. It means a purer atmosphere; above the mala- 
rial swamps of worldliness. Separation from the 
friendships of the world. O to breathe the pure, sweet 
air of the Mount of Holy Vision. 

4. It means a more conspicuous position before the 
world. We must then be careful of our profession. 
Walking sermons are sure of being read. The Chris- 
tian must live above reproach. 

5. It also means an abundant supply of the Grace 
of God. ''They that wait upon the I^ord, shall renew 
their strength; they shall mount up as with the wings 
of eagles." "Having all sufficiency, may abound in 
every good work." 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES. 



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THE JOY OF SALVATION. 



"The joy of thy salvation." — Psa. li: 12. 

The Gospel is a message of glad tidings; it touches 
every chord of the human heart, and institutes heaven 
in the soul. It may be truly said of the Christian 
"the land of Song within thee lies." Salvation is the 
opening of a perennial fountain in the soul that flows 
on forever, diffusing life and beauty wherever it goes. 

1. Thk JOY OF CONSCIOUS PARDON. — "Free from 
the law." The curse borne by our Substitute; consci- 
ousnCvSS of pardon ma}^ come slowly, but what a joy 
when we know. "I sang one day a sad sweet song." 
"O happy day." 

2. The joy of hkart clkansing. — ''O glorious 
fountain." "Fountain opened in the House. "Sancti- 
ncation, a realit}' ; becoming more and more like Christ. 
"Same image." No s^^mpathy with the theory that 
vve must be always sinning. 

3. The joy of conscious growth. — "Desire the 
sincere." God wants us to grow^ A seventeen year 
old infant is a sad sight. Shall we enter the Kingdom 
of God as little dwarfs? O the joy of growing, be- 
coming strong, and more like Christ. 

4. The joy of SE1.F-SACRIF1 cing service. — ' 'Self- 
denial." This is the law of His kingdom, to live for 
others. Deny ourselves of worldly pleasures; suffer 
persecution. Young lady writing to her pastor said 
she was a sight to the people because she would not 



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FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



play cards, dance, etc. Paul's experience, a ''spec- 
tacle." 

5. Thk joy of future hope. — ''Doth not yet ap- 
pear.'' The coronation day is yet in the future; 
"Bring forth the Royal Diadem and crown him Lord 
of all.'' The brightest vision of the church will be 
realized at his coming, and then will our salvation be 
complete, to wit, "the redemption of the body.'' 
Glorified and made like unto his own glorious body, 
"then shall we be satisfied when we avv^ake in His 
likeness." 



A STARTLING TRUTH. 

*'For if I please men, I should not be the servant of Christ." 
— Gal. i: 10. 

Paul presents a striking contrast between the church 
and the world. 

I. THERE IS m THIS AGE A PANDERING TO PLEASE MEN. 

This is seen — 

1. In a lowering of church obligations. 

2. In asking for smooth things. Do not want the 
old doctrines of repentance, etc. 

3. In sacrificing the Gospel for custom. 

4. In striving to supplant the Cross by morality. 

II. THE CHURCH NEEDS FEARLESS MEN TO PREACH 

CHRIST. 

I. For its purity and power. 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES 



13 



2. Society needs them for its reformation and salva- 
tion. 

3, The Spirit needs them, for the ''Word is the 
Sword." 

III. EACH INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN HAS A MISSION. 

1. To demand a Christ honoring Gospel. 

2. To heartily support the faithful minister. 

3. To exemplify the truth in life. 

4. To consecrate the life to the CAUSB of the Truth, 

THE IDEAL WORKER^ 



* 'Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall 
I send, and who Vv^ill go for us? then said I, Here am I; send 
me." — Isa. vi: 8. 

Importance of Ideals: — 

Corregio, when a boy, looking upon one of Raphael's 
paintings exclaimed, ^'I also am a painter." 

1. The worker with a vision of God; ''Saw the 
Lord God.'* — Isa. vi: i. 

2. The worker whose lips have been touched with 
fire and whose heart has been cleansed from sin. — vs. 

6-7. 

3. The consecrated worker, makes God's work pre- 
eminent; ''gives his body a living sacrifice." 

4. Persevering worker, '*In the morning sowing 
seed and in the evening withholding not his hand." 
Always about his Master's business, watchful, etc. 



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FIFTY Original Outlines of sermons for 



5. Hopeful worker, confident that he has the rem- 
edy for the plague of the human heart, inspiring con- 
fidence in all about him, and driving away the atmos- 
phere of doubt and unbelief. 

6. Possessing a hol}^ courage that will meet every 
emergency and exalt Christ under all circumstances. 

7. Deep spirituality, contagious and all pervasive. 

8. Deep and fervent humii^ity that disarms all 
pride and prejudice. 

^^^^^^ 

CONDEMNED ALREADY.-Jno. hi: 16. 

These words are fraught with the deepest solemnity, 
and although coming from the lips of the compassion- 
ate Son of God, they are a veritable death warrant to 
the sinner, setting forth, in an uncompromising manner, 
the lost condition of the soul. Nothing gained by con- 
cealing the truth. 

I. AVHY THIS VERDICT AGAINST THE SINNER. 

1. He loves darkness rather than light. 

2. Rebellion against God is continued in the face 
of self-destruction. 

3. He refuses God the sovereignt}^ of his own. 
If. THE IMPORT OF THIS SOLEMN VERDICT. 

1. It makes the soul its own destroyer. 

2. Continuous rebellion places the sinner out of 
the pale of mercy. 



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3. Places him under the wrath of God. 

4. Closes against him the gates of ParadivSe. 

5. Fixes forever the destiny of the soul. 

III. SINNER, REVERSE THIS VERDICT, WHILE PARDON 
IS FREELY OFFERED. 

The Cross stands radiant with mercy. 

The gates of Gospel grace are open wide. 

''While God invites, how blest the day/' 

"The dying thief rejoiced to see.'' 



THE POWER OF A HOLY LIFE. 



*'Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from 
iniquity." — II. Tim. ii: ig. 

Sin is the plague of the heart and takes away its 
strength. It drove Samson from the Judgeship of 
Israel, and sent him to the Grinders a slave in Philistia. 

A HOLY LIFE, 

1. Magnifies the redeeming power of Christ. As 
the cured patient is the best evidence of the physi- 
cian's skill. 

2. It exemplifies the glorious excellencies of Christ. 
The shining light tells of the incarnated Christ. A 
holy life exhibits Christ to the world. ''Living Epis- 
tles." ''They have been with Jesus." Christ had 
changed them. 



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FIFTY Original Outlines of Sermons for 



3. It is an attractive force in Plis kingdom. Men 
are drawn to Christ by the power of a holy life. 
Wicked husband drawn by the pure, sweet, wife. ' 'We 
will go with you, for we have heard that God is with 
you." 

4. It magnifies the keeping power of Christ, 
''Grace sufficient." "Always abounding." "They 
overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, etc." "Kept 
by the power of God etc." 

5. Source of abounding joy. "Shall see God." 
"The land of vsong within thee lies," and sin takes the 
music out of the soul, etc. The promises all stand 
with open doors to the pure heart. 

LESSONS FROM THE EARLY CHURCH. 



"And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, 
and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat 
with gladness and singleness of heart. Praising God and 
having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the 
church daily such as should be saved. — Acts ii: 46-47. 

These words are like a sun burst through a dark sky 
Dark Calvary is fast succeeded by the morning splen- 
dors of PentecOvSt. Despond jncy and gloom and sud- 
den despair, are now followed by rapid victories, and 
in the flames of Pentecost the church receives its first 
great baptivSm. Like a disorganized army, waiting for 
a leader, the waiting Disciples respond to the masterful 
leadership of the Divine Spirit. 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES 



17 



My text is somewhat like a review or rehearsal of 
the great blessings or achievements of the church. 

NOTICK FIRST. 

1. These summer days of rich and abundant bless- 
ing followed a period of deep humiliation and discour- 
agement; the crucifixion threw a pall over them, and 
extinguished their brightest dreams. Disciples on 
way to Emmaus; this is true of both individual and 
church. Great blessings fcl-ow such experiences, when 
they drive us to Christ. 

2. We have also the great lesson of Faith; the Disci- 
ples would never forget this lesson; the ''Sun" was 
not extinguished, simply obscured: Is there not a 
lesson here for us? Christ is again within the veil, but 
we look for His return. Let us be faithful. 

3. Here is also the lesson of concentration and 
unit}^ "One accord and singleness of heart." A 
church that concentrates its united force is sure of 
success. 

4. Here also we have the true brotherhood of man; 
the poet's dream can onlv be realized in Christ: the 
more intimate our fellowship with Him, the closer we 
are drawn to each other. "Behold, how they loved 
each other." 

5. Here is a church having favor with the people; 
a church with such standards will be a drawing foice 
in the world; even the wicked admire fidelity. 

6. Here is a church saving the people. **And the 
lyord. ^ ' How beautiful to see a church hymning its 



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FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



songs of praise and reaching out saving perishing 
souls; this is our great mission. 

A COVENANT WITH DEATH. 



**We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are 
we at agreement." — Isa. xxviii: 15. 

[KING JAMES'S TRANSLATION.] 

Ephraim's rebellion and iniquity is, in a measure, a 
striking picture of every rebellious heart. Death must 
prove a very solemn problem in every life. 

I. WHEN DO WE MAKE A COVENANT WITH DEA.TK? 

I. When we allow the subject to fade out of sight. 
*%ord, make me to know mine end." — Ps. xxxix: 4. 

2^ When we live regardless of death's warning?. 

3. When we take refuge in unbelief. 

4. When we resist the providence of God. 

II, HOW IS THE SINNER AT AGREEMENT WITH HELL? 

1. Of his own free choice, he becomes an ally of 
the Prince of Darkness. 

2. He willfully refuses to come out of his kingdom. 

3. He cherishes a nature that is enmity to God. 

4. He believes the Devil's lies in . preference to 
God's truth. 

5. He rejects Christ, and ''counts the blood of the 
covenant — an unholy thing. ' ' 

6. Such madness and folly must result in inevita- 
ble ruin. Sinner break the covenant; flee to Chris; 
for refuge; enter the covenant of grace. 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES 



19 



ALIVE FROM THE DEAD. 



"And you hath he quickened who were dead m trespasses 
and in sins." — Eph. ii: i. 

The Christian is a striking exhibition of the resur- 
rection power of Christ; "like Lazarus of Bethany." 

Verily I say unto 3'ou the hour is coming and now 
is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of 
God; and they that hear shall live, — Jno. v: 25. 

Even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us 
together in Christ (Eph. ii: 5-6), and hath raised us 
up together, and made us sit together in heavenly 
places in Christ Jesus. 

NOTICE. 

1. We have passed from death unto life through 
Christ; Jesus set us free from the prison house of 
death. 

2. Our RKSURRKCTiON life is in Christ; Christ is 
the center, sustainer, and essence of the lifk. 

3. This life reaches its highest joys in Christ, 
seated "in heavkni^y pipages; and hath raised us 
up together and made us sit together in heavenly 
places. — V. 6. 

4. We were created in Christ Jesus unto good 
works; shall the new creation fulfill its destiny? 

5. The name Christian implies a Christlike life. 

6. The Master's life was one of sei^f-deniai,, 
and service. 



20 Fifty original Outlines of sermons for 



7. If any man will come after Me let him deny 
himself and take up his cross, daily, and follow me; 
HiMSKLF and Mk are deadi^y enemies; himself is 
the essence of the DeviIv, proud, envious, touchy , 
etc. Deny self, enthrone Christ; enthrone self and 
crucify Christ. 

THE BREVITY OF LIFE. 

*'This I say, brethren, that the time is short." — I Cor. vii: 29. 

This text contains a solemn truth that should be 
laid to heart; time is short and should be improved 
accordingly. 

I. SOME STRIKING EVIDENCES OF THIS TRUTH. 

1. The seasons proclaim and illUvStrate this truth; 
Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter a picture of life. 

2. The cycles of history and the grave-yard of 
nations. 

3. The HOME with its changes emphasizes the text. 

4. The life of the individual illustrates it; look at 
that album; the photo of a child speaks of receding 
years; * 'Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your 
flight;'' it is only a reverie; Mother cannot come, etc. 

II. WHAT LESSONS SHOULD THIS PRACTICAL TRUTH 

ENFORCE? 

1 . We should learn to value time in the light of 
eternity. 

2. We should use time with a view of pleasing God. 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES. 21 



3. We should take God into our plans early in life. 

4. We should avoid wasting time on things that 
perish. 

5. We should speedily seek to develop the best in 
our lives. 

6. To cultivate a spirit of humility and helpfulness. 

7. Should crucify self and keep free from pride. 

III. OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS COMMENSURATE WITH 
OUR OPPORTUNITY. 

1. The time is sufl&cient for Heaven's preparation. 

2. We can live more in a few months now than 
our forefathers in years. 

3. The evanescent life is filled with light and oppor- 
tunities. 

4. Christ is knocking at the door. 

5. The Spirit is shedding His light all about us. 

6. The night of death is hastening on; **Lord, 
teach me to number my days, that I may know how 
frail I am.'' 

THE LORD'S PEOPLE IN LINE OF BATTLE. 



* 'And they stood every man in his place, round about the 
camp."~Jud. vii: 21. 

After the conquest of the land, Joshua returned to 
his home at Timnath Sera, without appointing a suc- 
cessor; times soon change, and days of oppression 
follow. 



22 



Fifty Original Outlines of sermons for 



1 . The PKOPI.E BECAME DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR 
PRESENT CONDITION AND YEARNED TO BETTER IT; 

palmy days of Joshua passed; now the harvest of diso- 
bedience — vii:io; Midianites surrounded and oppressed 
them, destro\^ed their fields of grain, set up altars of 
Baal, drove them into dens and caves, and reduced them 
to utter poverty; they were dissatisfied, each soldier 
had something to fight for, this is the first step toward 
all progress; the bane of the church is self-satisfaction. 

2. They looked to God as the true source 

OF HELP, AND THE GREAT ArBITOR OF HUMAN AF- 
FAIRS. — Children of Israel cried unto the Lord. — 
ch. vi: 6. How natural in adversity, ''Yea we wept 
when we remembered Zion." No plan has any found- 
ation for success that ignores God. Grod once recog- 
nized there is no limit to resources. Israel in Egypt, 
Conquest of Canaan, Apostles at Jerusalem, days of 
Wesley, Whitfield and Edwards. So must the church 
today fall back upon God, rekindle the altar fires in the 
Home, let a spirit of mighty earnest prayer take hold 
of the people and soon the church would be clothed 
v/ith bannered majesty and pentecostal power. 

3. We see God transforming elemejsts of 
WEAKNESS into POWER; Making use of common 
means to secure their liberation and success. The 
Angel found Gideon threshing wheat, and said go and 
deliver my people; Gideon replied: "My family is poor 
in Manasseh, and I am the least of my Father's 
house." ''And the l ord said surel}^ I will be with 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES. 



23 



you.'' Gideon in a state of penury was mighty because 
God was with him. Paul says that we have this 
treasure in earthen vessels *'That the excellency of 
the power might be of God and not of us." — 2Cor. iv:j. 
No excuse, the resources ot heaven are at our com- 
mand: Moses, Joseph, Philip, Stephen, Peter, so like- 
wise in our own church; need not despair. ''TKXT." 

4. Thkrk was organizkd, enthusiastic kf- 
FORT. Gideon was to have a plan and karnkst men. 
His army of 32,000 was too many, lack of interest, 
etc. Whosoever is fearful and afraid let him return; 
22,000 left. God said ''they are too many yet, bring 
down to the water; and the Lord said by the 300 that 
lapped will I save you " This is the church's need 
today, organization, earnest effort; the church is not 
w^eak if it uses its forces under discipline. 

5. Lastly thk campaign was crownkd with 
GLORIOUS SUCCESS. The awful charge; the panic, 
each thinking his neighbor an enemy. The vast 
multitude poured in wild confusion down the Wady el 
Dj aloud; messengers were sent to Ephraim to seize the 
Jordan fords and cut off the enemy. Oreb and Zeeb 
the subordinate leaders were both captured and slain. 
Gideon still pursued the commanding Emirs, Zeba 
and Zalmuna and captured them at Karkor and scat- 
tered 10,000 of the enemy; never was a victory more 
complete. Isaiah ranks it with the victory of the 
Red Sea, etc. What a picture of the church's tri- 
umph over all her enemies. ''Let every man stand 
in his place, etc.*' 



24 Fifty original Outlines of Sermons for 



IN THE TWILIGHT OF KINGLY GLORY. 



* 'Behold the half was not told me.'* — i Kings x: 7. 

The Queen's admiration, and beautiful tribute to 
vSolomon. How much more true when applied to 
Solomon's Greater Son, our king. 

1. Of Christ's NATURAL EMPiRK. The burning 
worlds afar; the earth is but a speck amid the teeming, 
countless, unexplored worlds. 

2. Of Christ's glorious pkrsonality, the 
God-man. — The embodiment of every excellency; and 
through all eternity, men and angels will wonder and 
adore. 

3. Of Christ's widening spiritual kingdom. 
We have seen much, but what vast unexplored fields 
are still waiting for the light; what mighty changes, 
and revolutions are yet to come. *'He shall not rest — 
Isle^ wait." 

4. Of the Saviour's beneficent reign.— Op- 
pression and wrong yield to his scepter, ''The desert 
blossoms" — churches and chapels, colleges and schools, 
asylums, etc. — He reigns to bless and save. 

5. Of His mighty Grace. — Changes and renews 
the heart. Saves from all sin and its defilement. 
Glorifies and changes the entire life. 

Of His mighty comforting presence. — Here we 
find rest. Falling asleep on his bosom we will awake 
to exclaim "Behold the half was not told me." 



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ENEMIES OFTHE CROSS. 

"I tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the 
cross of Christ, whose end is destruction." — Phil, iii: xviii. 

The cross was the glory and inspiration of Paul's 
life. It is the standard of the I^ord's hosts, and divides 
the world into two great hemispheres; around it wages 
the battle of the ages. The cross permits of no neutral 
ground, we are either Friends or Enemies. ''He that 
gathereth not with, etc." 

I, WHAT IS IT TO BE AN ENEMY OF THE CROSS OF 

CHRIST? 

1. It means a repudiation of the Holy Scriptures. 

2. It means tlie renunciation of Christ as the Son 
of God. 

3. It treats the dying agonies of Christ as a farce. 

4. It rings a death knell to His resurrection triumph. 

5. It means the extinguishing of the last ray of 
hope. A captain, standing on the deck of a sinking 
vessel in a storm, had but one match; he said he never 
realized such a responsibility before in his life, but he 
successfully lighted his lantern and used it as a signal 
that brought relief from a passing vessel. The sinner 
extinguishes the lamp of hope. 

II. WHO ARE THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST? 

1 . That man who has spent years in denying Him. 

2. That ''Scarlet sinner" fallen so low in sin. 

3. That one who claims an honest morai, life suf- 
ficient. 



26 Fifty Original outlines of sermons for 



4. That one whose nimd is filled with skepticism. 

5. That BOY or girl who knows their duty, and 
realizes their lost condition. Louis XII, of France, 
had many enemies; their names were all marked vnih 
a Bi,ACK cross; he recalled them all and explained that 
it "meant their pardon." 



THE WAGES OF SIN. 



"The wages of sin is death." — Rom. vi: 21. 

Death is a condition, not an action; it is a state not 
simply a transition. Death has ever been a dark orb 
in the system of Truth. It is one of those ghost-like 
thoughts that comes and vanishes without leaving an}' 
definite conception of its ominous character. It would 
be well to eliminate our preconceived ideas of death, 
such as a struggle, a battle, and the crossing of a dark 
river, and look upon it as a state, an existence, a per- 
manent condition of the soul deprived of the fellowship 
of God. Death is a present experience with many 
souls; no fellowship with God, no light, no life. 
Dead in trespasses and in sins. Death is the terrible 
w^ages of every sinner. Death is aggressive in its 
nature and walks hand in hand with sin, and must 
ever .serve as an index to indicate the progress of sin. 
Although death is the condition of all the unsaved, 
3^et some vSeem to be more dead than others; that is 
the condition of death prevails to a greater extent. 



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I. THE DANGER OF DEATH LIES IN ITS SUBTLETY. 
Beginnitig so small as not to cause alarm. Its pro- 
gressive stupor like one freezing to death* 

II. SYMPTOMS OF DEATH. 

1. lyoss of conscious discerning power, more than 
physical death. 

2. A love for the sinful and unholy. Feeding upon 
death. 

3. Heart invulnerable to the truth. 

III. LOSS SUSTAINED TO THE SOUL. 

1 . Loss of the conscious favor of God. 

2. lyOSS of the light and knowledge of God. 

3. Loss of communion with God. 

4. Loss of assimilation and growth in the likeness 
of God. 

5. Loss of Hoi}^ fellowship with the people of God. 

6. Loss of all the finer feelings of the soul. 

7. Loss to every heavenly jo}^, resulting in Spirit- 
ual decay and death. Lost eternally, unless saved by 
Grace. * 'The gift of God is eternal life." Will you 
not accept of this precious gift ? 

CHRIST'S ABILITY TO SAVE. 

* 'Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost." (Or to 
save ever more.)— Heb, vii: 25. 

''Wherefore" is a mighty sledge-hammer backed by 



28 FIFTY Original Outlines of sermons for 



the irresistable force of logic and Truth; weighty 
reasons concentrate and focus their light at this vital 
center. 

I. THE GROUNDS OF CHEIST'S SAVING POV/ER. 

1. His unchangeable Priesthood, ''ever liveth." 

2. His character, holy, harmlCvSS, undefiled and 
separate, 

3. His sacrifice, not daily, but once in the end of 
the world He appeared to put away sin by the sacri- 
fice of himself. 

4. He vanquished death. ' 'He ever liveth to make, 
etc." ''Destroyed him that had the power of death." 

5. His intercession avails for His people. 

II. THE EXTENT, OR COMPASS OF HIS SAYING POWER. 

1. To the full extent, save and keep saved. 

2. Save from the subtle indifference of sin. 

3. Save from wicked, inherited tendencies. 

4. Save from soul destroying habits. 

. 5. Save from the uttermost of doubt and despair. 

6. Save even the Chief of sinners. 

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a sal- 
vation. 



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JESUS' SYMPATHY FOR THE TEMPEST 
TOSSED. 

* 'Master carest thou not that we perish?" — Mark iv: 38. 
Storms test and reveal character. 

I. THE SINNERS CONDITION PERILOUS. 

1. Storms may arise at any time, hidden forces of 
the heart. 

2. Storms of adversity, reverses and disappoint- 
ment. 

3. Storms of bodily affliction, loss of health and 
reason. 

4. Storm of death; ''In such an hour as ye think 
not, etc." 

II. JESUS' SYMPATHY GOES OUT FOR THE TEMPEST 

TOSSED. 

1 . He identified himself with the tempest-tossed. 
Moses with Israel — Christ with the sinner. 

2. He became Immanuel, Grod with us; took upon 
him our nature and became a servant. 

3. He passed through the tempest, and is able to 
succor and sympathize with the tempest-tossed. 

4. He tasted death for every man, ''not willing 
that any should perish." "He is a shelter from the 
storm, etc." 

5. He came down from Paradise, and knows its 
joys, and yearns to rescue the sinner, that he may 
enjoy His Father's home. 



30 FIFTY Original Outlines of Sermons for 



6. He is even now looking for stranded souls; he 
sweeps the horizon of time and eternity. Brother, 
call upon him for help. He will rebuke the winds, 
and a blessed calm will fall on your troubled soul. 
''Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.'' ''Master the tempest is 
raging." 

"When the shades of night are falling 
And the hour has come to die." etc. 

KEEPING CLOSE TO JESUS. 

"And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine 
like the sun, and his raiment was white as the Hght." — 
Mat. vii; 2. 

Jesus was the God- Man; no one could comprehend 
the unfathomable depths of His character: marvelous 
were the earthly disclosures of that life, but through 
all eternity men and angels will wonder and adore. 

1. Companionship wdth Christ secures His richest 
blessing; the sheep nearest the Shepherd fares best. 

2. The most beautiful disclosures of His presence 
are frequently manifest in the most unexpected and 
unpropitious places: Who would have thought of 
snow crowned Hermon, in the far north, as the scene 
of such a vision. Yet it is in the atmosphere of a 
cold, cruel world, and in unexpected places on the 
march, that Christ pours upon us His most wonderful 
blessings. 

3. It is in fellowship with Christ that we hear the 
voice of duty; "This is my beloved Son, in whom I 
am well pleased; hkar yk him." Keep close to 



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Christ if you would know His will; He calls His 
workers from the battle lines, and ''prepares a table 
for them in the presence of their enemies." 

4. It is in fellowship with the Master that we re- 
ceive inspiration and strength to discharge duty; 
the mount of holy vision was a stimulus all through 
their lives. (2 Pet. i: 16-18) There was much work 
in the vales below, and they needed this mountain 
blessing to sustain them in the conflict of life. 

5. Lastly there is the unspeakable joy of seeing 
Jesus ONI.Y; What a bank of man's hands a^e now up- 
lifted to hide the Divine Master; Let us keep so close 
to Him in all of our needs that we shall ''see Jesus 
only." 

A GREAT WORK CROWNED WITH SUCCESS. 



"I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down." — 
Neh. vi: 3. 

Nehemiah, hearing of the sad condition of affairs at 
Jerusalem, leaves Shushan with a company of soldiers 
and soon arrives at the ruined city, to build up its 
waste places. His enemies at Jerusalem, being de- 
feated, Sanballat invited him to a council on the plain 
of Ono that he might assassinate him, but he replied, 
am doing a great work." Zion or Jerusalem is a 
type of the true church, and a great work still con- 
fronts the people of Grod. 



32 



F.FTY ORIG NAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



I. GREATNESS OF THE WORK. 

1. It is God's work, heaven is interested. 

2. The work involves the glory of Christ. 

3. The work involves the reward of Christ. 

4. It involves the salvation or damnation of souls. 

5. It involves our own personal reward and glori- 
fication. 

II. THE WORK CROWNED WITH SUCCESS. 
Success arose: 

1. From the hopeful contagious spirit of the leader. 

2. A burning desire to perfect the work; hea^rts 
were in it. 

3. A self-sacrificing spirit, sold themselves that 
the work might go on. 

4. Relentless vigilance, on the watch with girded 
swords. 

5. United and persistant effort; they stood every 
man in his place, and worked in the star light. Their 
enemies could not draw them away from their work. 
Success must crown such efforts. 

TFiE SOUL WINNER. 

*'Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to 
come in." — Luke xiv: 23. 

ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS. 
I. An experimental knowledge of the rich provis- 
ions of His grace; possessing life in all its abundance; 



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a flaming heart of love, joy unspeakable and full of 
glory. First know and then like the *Voman ot 
Samaria" go. 

2* Possesses a holy jealousy for the character of 
God. God is dishonored by the wicked; what will be- 
come of His great name? We must make every enemy 
of God His friend if possible; how His Son will be dis- 
honored if no one comes to the marriage supper. 

3. We must have a realizing sense of the sinner's 
need. What desperate efforts are made to save a 
drowning man. The poor sinner is sinking, and will 
soon be lost in eternitie's night. A million hearts 
were touched when Charley Ross was lost. 

4. A holy determination to constrain or compel 
them to come in. Every reasonable effort must be 
made; persistency in keeping the mind exercised on 
the subject; we must remember that the sinner is un- 
conscious of his true condition. *^A11 ready con- 
demned, dead in his sin. Like a sleeping man in a 
burning building, he must be aroused. 

5. A pure and unselfish spirit through which Christ 
can work. Void of sectarianism, humble, guileless 
seeking alone the glory of God and the salvation of 
the soul. 

6. There must be mighty, earnest, prayer to God 
for His help. "Not by might nor by power but by 
My Spirit.'' God must give the increase; prayer will 
unlock the prison doors and make every means effect- 
ual. Prayer will give the soul winner an atmosphere 



34 FIFTY Original Outlines of sermons for 



that will act as a subtle alchemy upon the hearts of 
the unsaved, and change their cold natures even as the 
blessed sunshine of heaven. 



A KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, THE GROUNDS OF 
TRUE HEROISM. 



"They that know their God shall be strong and do ex- 
ploits." — Dan, xi: 32. 

To know God, in its broadest sense, is nothing less 
than being born of God. — Jno. xvii: 3. *'And this is 
life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only 
true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." 

A knowledge of God in Christ Jesus, is the founda- 
tion upon which the "Temple of Character'' is built, 
and the source from which all heroic achievements 
emanate. 

1. A knowledge: of God will give coloring 
TO OUR CONVICTIONS. — Will determine the set of 
principles that shall control his life. Ingersol or a 
Moody. 

2. A KNOWLEDGE OF GoD WILL PROVE A BULWARK 
OF STRENGTH, TO FORTIFY OUR CONVICTIONS; the man 

who knows God ''Will not fear though the mountains 
be removed.'' Paul going to Jerusalem; Luther at 
the Diet of Worms. 

3. A KNOWLEDGE OF GOD mLL LEAD US TO 
UNDERTAKE GREAT THINGS FOR GOD. — The DiscipleS 

to convert the world; William Carey to go to India; 



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Wilberforce to oppose, and finally overthrow human 
slavery, etc. 

4. A KNOW1.KDGK OF God W11.1. knabi^k us to 

KNDURK PATIKNTI.Y, AND FOI,I.OW PKRSKVKRINGIvY 

OUR UNDKRTAKiNGS.— The God-strengthened man 
knows no defeat, for him the *'Iyamp of Hope^' shines 
in life's darkest hour. 

5. A KN0W1.KDGE OF God will enable us to 

CRYSTALLIZE ALL OUR ENERGIES AND DEDICATE OUR- 
SELVES WHOLY TO THE CAUSE OF HUMANITY. — A life 

spent in the service of others is the only life worth 
living, and the onl}^ imperishable monument raised by 
human hands. A knowledge of God will elevate all 
of life's undertakings to the plain of the sublime and 
beautiful, and fill us with an unconquerable spirit. 



GOD'S. PEOPLE ON THE MARCH. 



"Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward." — 
Ex. xiv: 15. 

Introductio n: — Histor}^ of the stiring scenes that 
led to this supreme moment. Plagues, rallying of the 
people at Ramases, Succoth, Pihahiroth; Pharaoh's 
pursuing hosts; Israel hemed in by mountains etc.; 
Moses lifts his wonder-working rod, etc. 
I. THEY WENT FORTH UNDER A TRAINED LEADERSHIP. 

Moses had a special training for his work; the court 
of Egypt, and the solitudes of the desert had all yield- 
ed their discipline for this great work. So the church 



36 Fifty Original Outlines of sermons for 



today must go forth under a trained leadership, Pas- 
tors, Superintendants and Teachers. Who will be the 
future leaders of the church ? 

II. THEY WERE TO GO FORTH TO A LIFE OF FREEDOM. 
One day slaves, the next a free people. How great 

the priceless boon of Liberty; "My country 'tis of 
thee." **Flagof the tree hearts hope and home." 
But for us there is a higher and more glorious liberty, 
a spiritual liberty; ''The law of the Spirit of life hath 
made me free from the law of vsin and death." 

III. THEY WERE TO GO FORW^ARD AKD OVERTHROW 

EVIL AND SET UP A STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUS- 
NESS FOR THE WORLD. 

Their enemies must be conquered, and society re- 
deemed from Idolatry and corruption. What a mission 
has the church today; the Militant host must take a 
stand against all evil, and even "glory in its scars and 
battle marks;" the world still needs new standards. 

IV. THEY WERE TO GO FORTH TO MAKE OTHERS FREE- 
Our nation carries its proud banner to the islands of 

the sea and wherever it weaves there is liberty; much 
more the banner of the Cross; it is the symbol of the 
highest liberty known to man; liberty of soul and 
mind. Ours is a glorious mission; the islands are 
w^aiting. Victory is sure, ''He shall not fail until He 
hath set judgment in the earth." "The hosts in all 
this glorious war, shall conquer though they die." 

V. THEY WERE TO GO FORTH TO ENJOY STILL GRANDER 

VISIONS. 

They had witnessed much, but the palm trees, the 
manna, the flowing waters, the gleaming mountain 



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and the wonders of Sinai were still in the future* How 
true with the church and individual today; salvation 
from sin only the beginning of Grod's wonders; vast, 
unexplored fields are still before us, let us expect 
great things from God; as yet we are only in the child, 
hood of the immortal year. Glorious visions still 
beckon us onward and the entire world is yet to sur- 
render and bow before our King. 

^^^^^^ 
THE CONQUERING CHURCH. 



"Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the 
moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? 
—Sol. Song vi: lo. 

Here we have a picture of the church under strik- 
ing similitudes through the different dispensations. 
It is our privilege to be associated with the church 
when it is clothed with bannered majesty and filled 
with Pentecostal power. 

THE CONQUERING CHURCH MUST 

1. Bk AN ORGANIZED CHURCH. — In the army, 
organization and discipline are indispensable; so like- 
wise the church. *'Iyet every man stand in his place 
around about the camp.'* The church's strength 
could be multiplied many times by thoroughly or- 
ganizing its forces. 

2. It MUST HAVE A BASE OF SUPPI.IBS. — Many an 
army has been defeated for the lack of resources; this 
is equally true of the church. No need of fairs and 



33 Fifty original Outlines of Sermons for 



festivals, etc. Our resources are suflScient for every 
enterprise born of the Spirit. Consecration will solve 
this problem. 

3. It must havk a worthy campaign before 
IT. — The soldier is invincible when he realizes that 
his cause is just. He will die fighting for a great 
principle; this is much more true of the church, its 
mission should call for the noblest of heroes; prisons, 
stocks and Martyr-fires proclaim the importance of 
our far reaching campaign. We need to grasp the 
situation intelligently, and have the vision of a re- 
deemed world impressed upon our hearts. This alone 
is worthy of Christ's soldiers. 

4, The conquering church must be filled 
WITH THE Spirit of its Great Leader. — Napo- 
leon's soldiers were invincible because they were filled 
with the spirit of their leader; his magnetic presence 
sent them forth to dare and die. A church filled with 
the Spirit of Christ, will not only be a faithful, devoted, 
self-sacrificing body, but it will be a fearless conquer- 
ing army. 

THE REFLECTED CHRIST. 



CHRIST SEEN IN HIS FOLLOWERS. 

**They took knowledge of them, that they had been with 
Jesus. — Acts iv: 13. 

Through the alchemy of influence we become like 
those with whom we associate. Associating wuth 
Christ gave: 



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1. A sweet and beautiful spirit. Ex. xxxiv: 29; 
Ec. viii: i; Prov. iv: 9; 2 Cor. iii: 7-18. Shining face. 

2. Great heart power; Acts iv: 31-33. Their tes- 
timony was enforced by the energy of the Divine 
Spirit. Men were moved as never before. 

3. It produced an invincible spirit. * ^Whether 
it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you 
more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but 
speak, etc.*' iv: 19. 

4. It gave them a desire to see others saved. 
Their lives were now consecrated to this great work. 

5. It produced a fraternal spirit; a new brother- 
hood. '^Behold how they loved each other." The 
more intimate our fellowship with Christ, the stronger 
our love for each other. 

6. It gave them triumphant Faith; **This is the 
victory.'' Faith must lie back of every great enter- 
prise. Faith has ever been a Star leading men across 
the dreary wastes of the ages, seeking new fields of 
Truth. Keep close to Jesus and the lamp of Faith 
will shine brighter and difficulties melt away. 

AMBASSADORIAL QUALIFICATIONS. 



**Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God 
did beseech you by us: we pray you iu Christ's stead, be ye 
reconciled to God." — 2 Cor. v: 20. 

Christ's followers are made the trustees of the 
GospeL 



40 



FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



I. QUALIFICATIONS OF AN AMBASSADOR. 

1. Representative character and integrity. 

2. Knowledge of duty. National interests, cross. 

3. Unflinching fidelity, great interests involved. 

4. Mighty faith in his resources. ''Able to sup- 
ply all our needs, etc." 

5. Earnest desire to succeed, ''Compel them to 
come in/' 

6. A courtly, winning spirit, honoring the King- 
dom, and attracting to it. 

II. THE AMBASSADOR'S REWARD. 

1. He will share in the honors of his king and 
country. 

2. A citizen w^on, means rejoicing among the 
angels. 

3. The Ambassador becomes God's special jewelry 
and will shine in his Kingdom forever. 

4. The personal, present, reward of ingathered 
SHEAVES. "He that goeth forth weeping, etc." 

^^^^^^^ 

THE SYiVIPATHlZING CHRIST. 

**The Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy." — James v: 
II . 

Men usually become famous by the sterner qualities 
of life, and we associate with them austerit}^, fearless- 
ness, boldness and dauntless courage; in the long list 



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of the world's heroes but few have achieved renown in 
the sphere of humility and gentleness, but Jesus, the 
greatest of all the noble of earth, has overthrown and 
changed the ideals of life by casting down the bestial, 
and exalting the sweeter and heavenher graces of the 
Spirit life. He comes with a great heart of pity and 
lifts life to a plain where the most unfortunate can 
find hope and take courage. 

1. Jesus is vSharing the burdens of the lowly and 
humble. Pities those who go unnoticed by a cold and 
cruel world; ''the common people heard Him gladly." 

2. Jesus' heart beats in S3 mpathy with the toiling, 
laboring throngs of earth; He was a laboring man, 
and this class is not ovei looked; the father bearing the 
heavy responsibilities of life, the tired mother with the 
cares of home, the young man and woman are all, all 
invited to come and find rest in him. 

3. Jesus pities those whose hopes in life are blasted. 
How many have seeii the lights go out and their fond- 
est hopes turn to dust and ashes in the grave. The 
mother's fond boy has gone down; the young man has 
given up his life plans to travel the vale of ill health; 
the daughter comes broken hearted from the newly 
bu It home; the wine cup has spread its blight over 
many sad hearts. 

4. Jesus sympathizes with the tried Christian. 
When Daniel is in the lion's den, the Angelic com- 
panion is present; the discipline of life is the way 
of trial, but the Master's presence will ''cause our 
hearts to burn within us as he talks by the way." 



42 



FIFTY Original Outlines of Sermons for 



5. Jesus pities the bereaved and broken hearted of 
earth. The home may be lonely when the dear ones 
are gone but the Saviour who w^ept at Bethany is still 
the same. ''Let not your heart be troubled, etc." 

6. The Master pities and sympathizes with the 
penitent soul, seeking for light; He yearns to bless 
and save. ''Behold I stand at the door and knock." 
"O lovely attitude He stands, with melting heart and 
bleeding hands.'' Sinner will you noc arivSe, "and 
let the dear Saviour come in?" 

GOD'S PLEADING CALL TO THE SINNER. 

"Turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O 
house of Israel." — Ez. xxxiii: 11. 

God's goodness revealed in many ways, nature, etc., 
but the supreme exhibition of his goodness is mani- 
fested in his efforts to save men. 

I. MAN IS UNDER THE POWER OF DEATH. IS SEEN: 

1. In his estrangement from God, Prodigal. 

2. Constant violation of God's holy laws. 

3. In his inveterate hatred of God, ''Carnal mind, 
etc." 

4. Sacrificing highest interests, time and eternity. 

5. In his appalling insensibility to his true con- 
dition. 

6. In his opposition, to defeat God's plan of sal- 
vation. 



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II. GOD'S SOLICITUDE TO SAVE THE SIGNER, 

As I live saith the lyord God, I have no pleasure in 
the death of the wicked. 

1. He has interested heaven and earth in his re- 
demption. 

2. He has sacrifiiced the brightest Jewel of heaven 
for his emancipation. 

3. Has sent forth the prcclimation of deliverance, 
"O every one that thirsteth;" ''whosoever will, etc." 

4. Sent His convicting Spirit to awaken and pour 
its convincing light upon the darkened soul. 

5. Has sent forth His ambassadors, to proclaim, 
etc. Application. Have you not been warned? Can 
5^ou hope to gain anything b}^ such a requent course? 
Does not the stupefying influences of death alarm? 
¥/ill you not now cease this rebellious course and heed 
God's gracious call? 



HARDENING THE HEART. 



* 'Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, today if ye will hear 
Fiis voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. iii: 6-7. 

It is a solemn moment when the Spirit of God is 
striving w^ith a soul; it will either prove a savour of 
life unto life or a savour of death unto death. (2 Cor. 
ii: 16.) We live in a world of law and order; cause 
and effect. 



44 



FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



I HOW WE HARDEN THE HEART. 

1. By turning a deaf ea,r to God's voice; the alarm 
bell unheeded will ceavSe to arouse. 

2. By treating His message with indifference. The 
people of Johnstown treated the warning with indif- 
ference, but the deluge of death was at hand. 

3. By allowing the pleasures of the world to drown 
the voice of conscience; Baal worshipers drowned the 
cries of their children in the arms of burning Moloch 
by chiming cymbals; many drown the voice of a dying 
conscience by the cymbals of pleasure and worldly 
amusements. I^ike the London chimes it will be 
heard when a hush falls on the world in the darkness 
of night. 

4. By utterly rejecting God's Word. (Prov. i: 25.) 
But ye have set at naught all my council. ... I 
will laugh, etc. "He that being often reproved.'' 

5. Chnging to some presumptions sin. 
II. Ijangers of hardening the heart. 

1. The instrument through which God delivers 
His message is destroyed. What would you think of 
an operator who would destroy his rela}^ and keys w ith 
an important message on the wires; our only safety. 

2. Man dies to the highest and noblest feelings 
of the soul. 

3. God's Spirit grieved and insulted abandons the 
soul to eternal darkness and death. ''Today if ye will 
hear His voice harden not 3'our heart." 



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BLESSINGS OF DIVINE COMPANIONSHIP. 

*'Aiid he vSaid certainly I will be with thee." — Ex. iii: 12. 
Moses' call; burning bush; new relation to God. 
THE NSW COMPANIONSHIP GAVE 

1. A grave and solemn view of the charactkr of 
Grod. 

2. To realize man's utter helplessness and ineffi- 
ciency. 

3. Acquainted him with the source of infinite power. 

4. Aw^akened and made pre-eminent the highest as- 
pirations of the human heart. 

5. Led to the development of a discerning and in- 
vincible spirit. 

6. Resulted in divine assimilation and immeasure- 
able power to bless others. 

7. Resulted in a glorious and triumphant death; 
from Nebo to hills of Glory. 

MORNING, AFTER THE SHADOWS, 



'*Seek Him that turneth the shadow of death into morn- 
ing." — Amos v: 8. 

Death in the Holy Scriptures is represented by 
many striking similitudes; ^'a sleep/' **gathering to 
our people/' ''the vanishing of a cloud," ''flying 
away," "breaking of the golden bowl," "putting off 
this earthly tabernacle," "returning to the dust," etc. 



46 



FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FORI 



Death must be a strange and solemn experience, and 
no one is able to cope with this monster. 
I. IN THE SHADOWS OF DEATH WE SEE 

1. The execution of God's decrees; ''Appointed unto 
man once to die. ' ' Redemption no reprieve. 

2. The direful consequences of sin; ''By one man's 
sin death entered into the world;" and death is every- 
where. Streets filled with funeral processions and 
our hills dotted w4th cemeteries. 

3. The closing of life's labors; no more opportuni- 
ties in time or eternity to help the lost and erring, etc. 

4. The dismemberment of families, and the disso- 
lution of the sweetest friendships. The vacant chair, 
the silent halls that once echoed with the laughter of 
gleeful voices, etc. 

5. The fixing of human destiny; if the battle is 
lost, it is lost forever; if won the issue is final. 

I [, GOD THROWS THE LIGHT OF TRUTH ON THIS SOLEMN 
SCENE, AND TURNS THE SHADOWS OF DEATH 
INTO MORNING. 

1. A morning of joyful surprise in glory. "I shall 
be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness." 

2. A morning of blissful reunion; how sweet it 
will be in that beautiful land;" earthly reunions con- 
travSted. 

3. A morning of delightful vService and high em- 
ploy. "They serve him day and night in the temple." 

4. A morning never clouded by the shadows of 
night, the ''joys will be eternal;" "they shall reigu 



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forever, etc.'' What will the great problem of death 
mean to 3'ou? Will the shadows flee away, or will the 
shades of an eternal night settle over the soul ? God 
grant that it may be a life upon whose heights and 
depths the shadows never fall; ''Seek Him who turn- 
eth the shadow of death into morning." 

IMPELLING FORCE OF THE NEW LIFE. 

"For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen 
and heard." — Acts, iv: 20. 

The irresistable force of a new life was now impell- 
ing the Disciples, and sending them forth fearlessl}^ to 
their great work. 

1. They had an experimental knowledge of par- 
doning love. 

2. They had a burning zkal for Christ's glory. 

3. They felt the pressing responsibility of advanc- 
ing the interests of his kingdom. Witnesses and trus- 
tees of the Gospel. 

4. The love of Christ constrainkd them; Love 
is the greatest force in the world. 

5. They yearned to impart the great rkmkdy for 
sin. 

A HEART SEARCHING QUESTION. 

WHERE ART THOU? Gen. iii: 9. 
This is truly a startling question, especially if we 
are where we ought not to be; it is a challenge to stop 



^8 



FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



and take our bearings anew. Adam and Eve were 
hiding and trying to escape the presence of God; this 
was a merciful interrogation, as well as a v arning 
question. Let us apply this great truth to our own 
hearts and seek to find our own bearings. 

where are we ? 

1. In regard to our rank and rki^ativb po- 
sition AMONG THE CREATURES OF GoD. — '*A Httle 
lower than the angels;" ''Created in the image of Gad;" 
"Offspring of God." How great the dignity, and how 
infinite the possibilities of man. ''What a piece of 
work is man! how noble in reason, how infinite in 
faculties! in form and moving how express and ad- 
mirable! in action how like an angel! the beauty of 
the world! the paragon of animals!" — (Shakespeare.) 

2. In our relative position to time — BETWEEN 

TWO ETERNITIES. — ''Lo on a narrow neck of land 
'twixt two unbounded seas I stand." What a destiny; 
what a grave position with eternity before us. A lit- 
tle snail carrying a single grain of sand on its slimy 
side, and making one journey to the sun every billion 
years, would by and by, carr}^ away the last particle 
of this planet, and eternity would be no nearer. 

3. In REGARD TO OUR PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS. 

In an evanescent world, surrounded by immutable 
laws; subject to change, disappointment, diseavSe and 
death; all is uncertainty "for we know not the day nor 
the hour;" how great the contingencies of life, and 
how solemn its responsibilities. 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES. 49 



4. In our rki<ation to God, a.bsoi.utki.y dk- 
PKNDENT. — We live daily upon His bounties, even the 
breath we breathe is a gift from God. I^ife is a con- 
tinuous miracle. God is keeping us alive through 
His mercy; how soon we may hear His voice ''Cut it 
down.'' 

5. Where are we in our relation to Christ. 

6* In our relation to our fellow man. 

7. These questions v/ill help us to determine where 
we will be in eternity. 



PENURY OF THE SELF LIFE. 

*'I am poor and needy." — Psa. xl: 17. 

''The self life is destitute. — Rom. vii: 15-24. 

A realization of this fact: 

1. Drives us to God as our only help; ver. i., I 
waited etc. Man's extremity is God's opportunity; 
how good to see the soul fall back upon God and fully 
trust him. 

2. It secures DK1.IVKRANCK from God. Ver. 2-3. 

3. It enriches us with the strength of the Divine 
Will. Ver. 8. 

4. It makes of us cosmopolitan Christians. Ver. 16. 

5. It gives implicit confidence in God as a Helper. 
Ver. 17. 



50 



FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



A HEART SEARCHING QUESTION. 

**Lord what wilt thou have me to do?'* — Acts ix: 6. 

Paul's journey, vision, and conversion; now on the 
threshold of a new life of service; a chosen vessel to 
bear the Gospel far hence to the Gentiles, well might 
he propound this question; and as we now enter upon 
a special series of meetings for the salvation of souls, 
may we not each of us stop and ask ourselves the 
question: **Lord what wilt thou have me to do?'* 

I. WE MUST RECOGNIZE THE KINGSHIP OF CHRIST THE 

LORD. 

If He is IvORD we must recognize His authority. 
Angels, Cherubim and Seraphim, all bow to His behests. 
If souls are to be saved Christ's voice must be heard 
and obeyed. Will we recognize His authority, will 
we yield obedience? 

II. WE MUST RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS 

WORK 

Heaven, earth and hell are interested in this work. 
So great is the depravity of the human heart that even 
lost souls are astonished at man's obduracy; **But if 
they believe not Moses and the prophets." How 
stupendous is the work that must overcome such 
enmity. A look on the fields will help us to realize 
our h.'lplessness without Christ. 

III. WE MUST PREPARE OURSELVES. PERSONALLY. 

FOR THE WORK. 

1 . Seek a special baptism for this special work. 

2. Set every difiiculty right; right every wrong 
with our fellow man. 



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3. Subordinate every thing to this great work. 

4. We must be willing to make any sacrifice for 
Christ. 

5. We must surrender absolutely to the Holy Spirit 
and follow His leadership in everything. 



THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST. 



"The church, which is His body, the fulness of him that 
filleth all."— Eph. i: 23. 

Jesus was once present among men in a body of 
human flesh, but is now tangibly represented by His 
church. 

I. THE CHURCH IS CHRIST'S BODY IN THE WORLD. 

THEREFORE, 

1. It should be filled with His Spirit. 

2. It should be filled with the knowledge of Christ. 

3. It should be filled with the inspiration of Christ, 
"know the hope of His calling.'' 

4. It should be filled with the power of Christ, 
'^the exceeding greatness of His power." 

5. It should rejoice in the victory of Christ, ''all 
things under his feet. ' ' 

II. THE CHURCH MUST EXEMPLIFY AND REVEAL 

CHRIST. 

1. By Unity, ''there is but one body and one 
Spirit." iv: 4. 

2. By a holy communion, "Holy and without 
blemish/' v: 27. 



52 FIFTY Original Outlines of sermons for 



3. By an evangelistic life, ''compel them to come 
in.'' 

4. By a life of deep Spirituality, vi: i8. What a 
privilege to be part of Christ's body; what a respon- 
sibility, * living epistles/' how sad the lot of those 
who have no Christ, no Saviour, no living Head; 
''Come for all things are ready/' 

^^^^^^^ 
THANKSGIVING SERMON. 

**He has not dealt so with any nation." — Psa. cxlvii: 20, 

The blessings of God's ancient people were unsur- 
passed. To them pertained the oracles and covenants 
and the most wonderful sacerdotal system known to 
the world. But however grand and imposing their 
blessings, they are more than surpassed by our national 
blessings. The Psalmist refers to many blessings, but 
reserves the national blessings for a climax of praise. 
**He has not dealt so with any nation" 

I, IN PRESERVING ITS BIRTH TO SUCH AN FAVORABLE 
AND AUSPICIOUS TIME. 

Egypt, Greece, Babylonia and Rome with all their 
magnificence, were born out of season and cursed with 
polytheism, feticism and all forms of idolatry; even 
England is overshadowed by such characters as Bloody 
Mary, and the infamous Bishop Bonner; with our 
nation it is not thus, the Revival of Eearning in Greece, 
Italy and Northern Europe, the great Reformation 
and its hand maid, the Press, prepared the way for the 



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Opening exercises of our nation in a thanksgiving 
service. 

II. IN THE WEALTH, BESTOWED IN THE CHARACTER 

OF ITS FOUNDERS. 

The founders of a nation give coloring to its future 
life, establish its ideals, and mould its future history. 
The Pilgrim Fathers were rich in character; men and 
women of mighty and intense conviction. ''They 
left unstained.'' 

III. IN ESTABLISHING LIBERTY AS AN ELEMENTAL 

PRINCIPLE IN NATIONAL LIFE. 

The Golden dream of centuries was realized when 
the monster of religious despotism was overthrown. 
All honor to the far seeing men and women who would 
rather suffer banishment, than submit to a State- 
church that rang the death knell to their liberties. 
Religious liberty, was but a prelude to Civil liberty 
that came in the storm of the Revolution. The Im- 
mortal Declaration, announced to the world the lib- 
erties of men; Washington with an invincible soldiery, 
made it a glorious reality; the Constitution embodied 
these blood bought principles and infused them into 
national life; the world was then made to witness 
Government of the people, for the people, and by 
the people. No monarchs, no lords, no cast but 
citizens; uncrowned kings and queens. *'Flag of the 
free hearts hope and home." 

IV. IN EJ^DOWING IT WITH SUCH RAPID POWER OF 

COMBINATION. 

This is the essential element to the perpetuity of 
national life; the highway of history is filled with the 



54 FIFTY Original Outlines of Sermons for 



wrecks of nations because they could not meet the 
changing conditions and overthrow the evils before 
they reached a climax in national life. The Civil 
War demonstrated our resources; a nation that could 
marshal such a vast soldiery and crush such a stupen- 
dous evil, has but little to fear in the future. Other 
problems, Giant Trusts, I^abor Question, Anarchy and 
Intemperance; shall we be able to solve these prob- 
lems? Light is already breaking. 

v. IN ENDOWING IT WITH SUCH A WEALTH OF POWER 
TO BLESS OTHER NATIONS. 

The light of liberty, streaming forth from our bat- 
tlements, has set the nations of the world to clamoring 
for freedom. Already a repubhc in France, South 
America is dotted with republics, and the great gov- 
ernments of the world radically changed, granting to 
their people more freedom. With our potent example 
at home and our Starry Banner in every land and upon 
every sea, who can estimate our influence in giving 
the peoples of the world higher ideals of life. No 
longer a conservative people, we have dared to cham- 
pion the rights of the oppressed and down trodden in 
other lands; under our banner Cuba has arisen to 
brush away the bloody sweat, and turn her face toward 
the morning of a new life; and although not without 
blood-shed, let us hope that our starry flag holds 
within its precious folds the laws and liberties of the 
Philipino beyond the sea. God be praised for this 
wealth of power to bless others, and may we so live as 
to render stainless that flag that has won the respeci 
and admiration of the world. 



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"A GIFT NOT TO BE NEGLECTED." 



**Neglect not the gift that is in thee." — i Tim. iv: 14. 

We live in a universe where the practical value of 
things is measured by their ultimate quality of use- 
fulness; seen in nature every where; the clouds, min- 
erals, electricity, etc. This is especially true of the 
soul and mind. 

I. THE GIFT IS GREAT. 

1. In what it is, an emanation of God; **oflFspring.'* 

2. In its possible development; babe and Shake- 
speare. 

3 In its possible achievements; from the Silurian 
depths to the distant stars, the mind of man is unrav- 
eling nature's secrets. 

4. In its Spiritual capabilities; ^'Beholding as in a 
glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the 
same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit 
of the Lord.'' 

5. In its infinite cost; Calvary is vocal with testi- 
mony. "Blood speaketh better things." 

II SHALL THIS GIFT BE NEGLECTED? EVERY, NOBLE, 
IMPULSE SAYS NO. 

1. Seek to know thy gift; play the Columbus of 
the soul. 

2. Strive to develop and make the best of our gifts. 

3. Neglect will bring sorrow and bitter disappoint- 
ment. 



56 FIFTY Original outlines of Sermons for 



4. Christ alone, can inspire and bring life to its 
noblest achievements. ''I have set the I^ord always 
before me.'* 

THE ATTRACTIVE CHRIST. 

**They came to Him from every quarter." — Mark, i: 45. 

The promise was, *'That the scepter should not de- 
part from Judah, nor a law-giver from between his 
feet until Shiloh should come, and unto Him should 
the gathering of the people be.'' Prophesy now be- 
comes reality, multitudes are thronging after Christ, 
Who is becoming more and more the center of human- 
ity. 

I. THE ELEMENTS OF HIS ATTRACTIVE LIFE. 

1 . His soul inspiring doctrines, breathing hope and 
love to all. lyifting life to a higher level and filhng it 
with inspiration. 

2. His majestic and authoritative teachings. Not 
bound by the customs and traditions of the Fathers, 
as were the Scribes and Pharisees, **But spake as never 
man spake. ' ' Doctrines vital and heart searching. 

3. The energy and intensity of His earnest life. 
The execution of a mighty purpose had centered all 
eyes upon Him. Men are instinctively drawn toward 
an earnest man. An element of power not fully ap- 
preciated. 

4. The magnanimity of a great heart, a heart that 
went out in deeds of a loving ministry, ''healing the 
sick, and binding up the broken hearted. 



REVIVAL AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES. 57 



II. THE BLESSINGS HE IMPARTED. 

1. Light, illumination of mind and spirit. 

2. Healing-, both of soul and body. 
3^ Rest, ''Come unto me, etc/' 

HUMAN SOVEREIGNTY, ITS DANGERS AND 

BLESSINGS. 



"O that my people had hearkened unto rae, and Israel had 
walked in my ways." — Psa. Ixxxi: 13. 

I. ThK SOVEREIGNTY OF THE HUMAN WII.I., IS 
THE GROUNDS OF HUMAN RESPONSIBII^ITY. — No more 

solemn and weighty thought. Man is at liberty to 
choose, he can obey or disobey. Israel rejected God 
in the exercise of this prerogative. Mary ''chose the 
good part;" Paul was not ' disobedient to the heavenly 
vision." Human depravity rejects Grod; carnal mind, 
enmity, etc. We need a new heart, a conquered will, 
and obedient spirit. 

2 Disobedience i.eads to abandonment and 
REJECTION BY GoD. — King Saul is a striking example. 
Divine guidance withdrawn. Soul speedily drifts away 
from God. Heavenly influences inoperative. Despair, 
the result of a hardened heart. Hastening judge- 
ment, Saul, Pharaoh, Sultan, King of Siam. 

3. Divine solicitude. — "O that my people, etc," 
(ver. 16.) God takes no pleasure in the death of the 
wicked. His plan of salvation reaches across the ages. 
The Gospel proclaims His interest in the sinner. The 



58 



FIFTY Original outlines of sermons for 



incarnation and death of His Son exhibits His grace. 
Three worlds are interested and sympathize with God 
in the rkdkmption of man. 

4. Bl^KSSINGS OF A Wir.I.ING, JOYFUI. OBE^DIKNCE:. 

The joy of pardon, cleansing, and friendship. 
Overcoming powkr, (subdued their enemies, ver. 14.) 
Abundant provision, (ver. 16, Finest of the wheat.) 
Soul satisfaction, ver. 16, Honey out of the rock.) 
Will you not yield, and come to the banquet. 



THE DIVINE RULE OF ACTION. 



**And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, 
and not unto men."— Col. iii: 23. 

I. THE SCOPE OR COMPASS OF THIS RULE. 

1. *^ Whatsoever," life in its entirety. 

2. Secular or business life; honesty vs. custom. 

3. In the social life; sincerity vs. dissimulation. 

4. In the religious sphere; worship and work. 

II. CHARACTER OF THIS DIVINE RULE. 

I * 'Heartily.'' Whole hearted service, intense 
earnestness. 

2. Earnestness is the beauty of action. 

3. lyCthargy is incompatible with the high char- 
acter of our service; worship, giving, enduring, etc., 
all demand zeal and intensity of heart. 



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III, THE DIVINE MOTIVE IN ACTION, 

1. ''As unto the I^ord.;*' measured by Christ's ap- 
proval. 

2. This rule works humility. 

3. Cultivates patience. 

4. Deepens conviction and gives a new meaning 
to life. 

5. Stimulates and strengthens courage. 

6. Cultivates a discerning spirit. 

The man motive kills, the Christ motive throws 
over every action a Divine loveliness. 

^^^^^^ 

THE LORD, THE SOURCE AND FOUNTAIN, 
OF ALL OUR BLESSINGS. 



*'The Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord will give 
grace and glory: and no good thing will he with-hold from them 
that walk uprightly,"— Psa. Ixxxiv: ii. 

God draws upon nature's resources to illustrate spir- 
itual truths; inspiration has left the world blazing 
with TRUTH, and the Bible is full of similitudes; sun, 
moon, stars, rivers, trees, leaves, etc. 

I* THE SUN IS THE BOUNTEOUS SOURCE OF ALL OUR 
PHYSICAL SUPPLIES, 

Its golden beams are a subtle alchemy; the sun has 
filled the earth with rich minerals; from thence comes 
our coal, oil, precious metals. So likewise God is the 
source of all our higher blessings, the fountain of all 



60 FIFTY Original Outlines of sermons for 



wisdom, light, knowledge and power. Man is a tran- 
script of God, created in His own image. 

II. THE SUN IS THE SOUKCE OF ALL BEAUTY AND 

LOVELINESS THAT MANTLES THE EARTH. 

From the burning splendors of cloud and rainbow 
to the guilded mountain and sheeted bloom of meadow 
and plain, the glories of the sun are strewn with artis- 
tic hand. So in the higher realm, loveliness of char- 
acter, all benevolent and charitable institutions; Christ 
is the source and inspiration of them all. 

III. THE SUN IS CHANGELESS IN ITS BOUNTEOUS SUP- 

PLIES. 

Through the long cycles it pours fourth ceaseless 
blessings; generations come and go but still it shines 
to quicken and bless. How like our blessed Lord, 
every blessing is perennial. Every generation has 
shared in His changeless grace and His promise is yet 
to you and your children and to generations unborn. 

IV. THE SUN IS EVER MORE AN OBJECT OE WONDER 

AND JOY. 

The wonder increases with increased light and 
knowledge. Its comparative size, magnitude, distance, 
etc. So the Son of Righteousness grows on our vision. 
Acquaintance begins in conversion, but all the way up 
the shining heights, our wonder and joy increases with 
increasing light and knowledge. New discoveries of 
our relation to Him increase our delight, and fill our 
soul ^'with all the fullness of God." 



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THE GROUNDS OF TRUE COURAGE. 



"Be of good courage and let us play the men, for our people, 
and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which 
seemeth him good." — 2 Sam. x: 12. 

These words seem all the more wonderful when we 
remember who uttered them; Joab was not noted for 
an esthetic nature, but in a great emergency, he and 
his brother Abishai laid their plans carefully, and then 
fell back upon God for help; the victory was complete. 
I^et us notice the grounds of true courage. 

1. God is on the side of truth and right; I^incoln 
was only concerned about being on the Lords side, 

2. God is able, and if best, will give the victory. 

3. Grod will send all needed help; unlimited re- 
sources. 

4. God has already given much encouragement; 
past victories. 

5. The Godly of all ages have been tried and we 
are no ecxeption to the rule. 

6. The cause of Christ is worthy of our greatest 
sacrifice. 

7. Others will rejoice in our labors; ''the cities of 
our God" 

8. Others will be enthused and inspired by our 
labors, ''Let us be of good courage and pla}?- the men 
for our people and for the cities of our God.'' 



62 FIFTY Original Outlines of Sermons for 



IMMOVABLE THINGS OF THE KINGDOM. 



"Things that cannot be shaken."— Heb. xii: 27. 

Many things were removed; the priesthood, the 
sacrifices, etc. But what are the things that cannot 
be shaken. 

1. The Cross of Christ. — ''God forbid that I 
should glory.'' It is the great key to the whole sys- 
tem of truth. ''Hallelujah to the cross." "In the 
Cross of Christ I glory." 

2. ThK NKW BIRTH. — "Ye must be born again, ' is 
an immovable pillar in the temple of truth. The proc- 
lamation of this truth is saving the world. There 
will always be a people who will love and proclaim this 
truth. 

3. The brotherhood of man; one famii^y of 
THE REDEEMED. — No cast, but all standing on one 
common level, as the citizens of Christ's kingdom. 

4. Immortality of the soul. — This doctrine has 
been greatly attacked, but it is written deep in the 
hearts of men as well as in God's eternal truth. 
Even the heathen have grasped this mighty verity, etc. 

5. The Judgment. — All things are pointing for- 
ward to a day of Judgment; justice is not meeted out 
in this life. The innocent suffer and the guilty gj 
free; but this attribute of God will, and must, be vindi- 
cated. The doctrine is written in the very nature of 
God. 



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DISHONORING GOD. 



* 'Through breaking the law dishonorest thou God." — 
Rom. ii: 23. 

The importance of law is recognized everywhere as 
essential to harmony and order; in the realm of nature 
we see every thing moving majestically in obedience 
to her laws, century after century, and cycle after 
cycle nature obeys with unremitting regularity. Sun, 
stars, seasons, rivers, same as centuries ago. In the 
realm of created intelligences both celestial and terrCvS- 
trial, men and angels, are placed under laws and obli- 
gations to the great Law- Giver, whose divine prerog- 
ative it is to make laws and demand obedience. 

1 . From the nature and constitution of the soul of 
man, law is a necessity; the powers of man that sur- 
vive the wreck, and fall in Eden are so disorganized 
and perverted that restraint is indispensable, and law 
a necessity. '^Carnal mind is enmity, etc.'' 

2. The father, the head and governor of the family, 
must have law and order in the home. It is his in- 
herent right to make and enforce his home laws; yea, 
his duty. 

3. True of the state and commonwealth, law and 
order must prevail in order to happiness and prosperity. 
The more righteous the state, the more strict and rigid 
it will be in the enforcement of its laws. Breaking 
the laws of the state, dishonors the state and brings 
upon the violator swift punishment; detectives follow 
hard upon the heels of the transgressor. 



64 FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



4. How much more is this true of God's laws; laws 
that are clothed with majesty and power, and stand 
pre-eminent above all human authority; angels, princi- 
palities and powders joyfully bow to His high behests; 
those that rebelled are "reserved in darkness and 
chains." God will not hold individuals guiltless that 
transgress his holy law; the sinner's sins are sure to 
find him out, and judgement will overtake him. First 
parents, Cain, Haman, Herod, drunkard, blasphemer. 
Christ is the only refuge from the broken and dishon- 
ored law of God. ''Flee from the wrath to come." 

^^^^^^ 
PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING GRACE, 



"Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for 
us." — Ps. Ixviii: 28. 

Praise for blessings already received. 
1. WHAT GOD HAD WROUGHT FOR THEM 

1. Divine enlightenment; other nations were in 
darkness; but God had given them laws, covenants 
and burning symbols of the atoning Christ. 

2. Divine deliverance; Egypt, Wilderness and 
Canaan; unparalleled in glorious achievements. 

3. A divine inheritance; Canaan the ideal inherit- 
ance, a land of milk and honey, coveted by all nations. 

4. Divine institutions; judiciary, schools of the 
prophets, etc. 

5. A plan of human redemption; priests, sacrifices 
and festal days, all pointing forward to the Cross. 



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6. How much more God has wrought for us. 

II. NEED OF DIVINE STRENGTHENING. 

1. Danger of surrendering God's most precious 
gifts. 

2. As a nation they were prone to backsliding. 

3. Only by a vigilant, pra3'erful spirit can we 
maintain our best, and inherited blessings. 

III. HOW MEET THE CONDITIONS OF THIS PRAYER. 

1. By a general humbling of the people. ''If my 
people humble themselves, etc." 

2. By raising higher standards of spirituality. 

3. By cultivating a self-sacrifiicing spirit that will 
bury self interests, in the higher interests of the 
kingdom. 

UNWORTHY COMMUNICANTS. 



"For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and 
drinketh damnation (jude:ement) to himself, not discerning 
the Lord's body." i Cor. xi: 20. 

The Lord's Supper is a most sacred ordinance, and 
should be approached with the greatest reverence, 
and after the most careful and heart searching exam- 
ination; however this text should not in the least dis- 
courage those from coming to the ordinance who feel 
their unworthiness. It is a noticeable fact that it was 
not the unworthy individual, but the unworthy 
MANNER of partaking of the ordinance that brought 
upon them the judgement of God. I^et us notice 



66 



FIFTY ORIGINAL OUTLINES OF SERMONS FOR 



T. THE UNWORTHY COMMUNICANTS. 

1. The unregenerate professor; enemies of the 
cross. Many will say '%ord we have eaten and drank 
in thy name, etc.;" going up with the bread and wine 
upon their lips, to hear Him say ''depart ye cursed, 
etc." 

2. The unrepentant, and careless backslider; living 
in sin and revelling in sensual indulgence. Man}^ a 
communicant has been driven away by the ghost-like 
phantom of sin appearing at that holy hour. 

3. The self-righteous professor eats most unworthi- 
ly for he thinks HIMSEI.F worthy; ''not the righteous 
but sinners, etc." 

4. The wilfully, unreconciled professor; the Sac- 
rament is a feast of alliance, reconciliation, friendship, 
union; how dare we come in a spirit that repudiates 
the object for which the holy ordinance was instituted, 

II. WORTHY COMMUNICA^TS, DISCERNING THE LORD'S 

BODY, 

1 . Those who FEEL most deeply their unworthiness. 

2. Those who approach in deep humility, profound 
reverence, relying upon the atoning blood of Christ. 

3. Those who, like Jacob of old, wrestle with the 
Angel of the covenant until the shadows flee away. 

4. Those who come with a true vision of the cross 
and truly *' behold the I^amb of God that taketh away 

the h-ins of the world. 

• L.ofC. 



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67 



THE FAR AWAY PURPOSE OF GOD. 



"Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his 
parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest 
in him. ' — Jno. ix: 3. 

Suffering and affliction are not alwa3^s the direct re- 
sults of sin. The experience of Job is a marvelous 
demonstration of this truth; and although, this terrible 
accusation was brought against him, he triumphantly^ 
exclaimed ''He knoweth the way that I take, and 
w^hen he has tried me I shall come forth as gold." The 
faraway purposes of God explain many my^steries. 
These purposes are seen 

I. IN THE BUILDING AND CONTROLING OF THE WORLDS. 

A little boy standing on the street corner lifts his 
hand and the electric car stops; did he violate a law^? 
no, for that w^hole electric system, from trolly to power 
house w^as built with that boy in view, and for the pas- 
sengers convenience; the law was arrested for a pur- 
pose conceived before-hand. So likewise the cosmos 
of worlds, from center to circumference, display the 
faraway purposes of God; He had man in view; He 
has gone before him. 

IL IN THE UNFOLDING OF HIS PLANS FOR THE KING- 
DOM. 

God's plans reach across the ages, and require cycles 
for their development; illustrated in the history ot 
Israel, and the atonement of Christ; the cross is a 
key reaching back to God's far away purposes, yea 
into eternity itself; ''great is the mystery of godliness.'' 



68 



Fifty Original Outlines of Sermons for 



III. IN THE UNFOLDING OF HIS PROVIDENCES FOR THE 
INDIVIDUAL. 

Jacob said ''all these things are against me/' but 
twentyfive years later Joseph said to his brothers *'Ye 
meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.'* God's 
providence antedated the birth of the blind man that 
he might sit by the wayside helpless, as ' 'Jesus passed 
by" and that the works of God might be made mani- 
fest. What comfort to every heart; God has a plan for 
us; we are to fulfill some far away purpose. What a 
warning against complaint, and yielding to sin. If the 
blind man had bitterly flung his life away and given 
up in despair he never would have met Jesus by the 
wayside; let every heart take courage for God has a 
life plan for each one of us. 



CONTENTS. 



SUBJECT. TEJXT. 

1 Passion for Souls Rom, lo: i. 

2 Pure from the Blood of Men Acts 20: 26. 

3 Life's Perfect Ideal Psa. 16: 8. . 

4 Lost Opportunities Heb. 12: 17 

5 The High Mountain Christian Isa. 40:9.. 

6 The Joy of Thy Salvation Psa. 51: 12. 

7 A Startling Truth Gal. i: 10.. 

8 The Ideal Worker Isa. 6: 8 . . . 

9 Condemned Already Jno. 3: 16.. 

10 The Power of a Holy Lite 2 Tim. 2: 19 

11 Lessons from the Early Church Acts 2: 46-47 

12 A Covenant with Death Isa. 28: 15.. 

13 Alive from the Dead Eph. 2: i. . 

14 The Brevity of Life. i Cor. 7: 29 

15 The Lord's People in Line of Battle. . . .Jud. 7: 21. . 

16 In the Twilight of Kingly Glory. i Kings 10: [ 

17 Enemies of the Cross Phil. 3: 18.. 

18 The Wages of Sin Rom. 6: 21. 

19 Christ's Ability to Save Heb. 7: 25. 

20 Jesus' Sympathy for theTempestTossed.Mk. 4: 38. . 

21 Keeping Close to Jesus Mat. 17: 1-2 

22 A Great Work Crowned with Success. .Neh. 6: 3.. . 

23 The Soul Wmner Luke 14: 23 

24 A Knowledge of God the Grounds of 

True Heroism Dan. 11: 32 

25 God's People on the March Ex. 14; 15. . 

26 The Conquering Church S. Song 6: : 

27 The Reflected Christ Acts 4: 13. . 

28 Ambassadorial Qualifications 2 Cor. 5: 20 

29 The Sympathizing Christ Jas. 5: 11. . 

30 God's Pleading Call to the Sinner Ez. 33: 11. . 

31 Hardening the Heart Heb. 3: 6-7 



70 CONTENTS. 



32 Blessings of Divine Companionship. . , .Ex. 3: 12.. 

33 Morning After the Shadows Amos 5: 8. 

34 Impelling Force of the New Life Acts 4: 20. 

35 A Heart Searching Question Gen. 3: g. 

36 Penury of the Self Life Psa. 40: 17 

37 A Heart searching Qrestion Acts 9: 6. . 

38 The Church, the Body of Christ Eph. i: 23 

39 Thanksgiving Sermon , Psa. 147: 20 

40 A Gift Not to be Neglected i Tim, 4: 14 

41 The Attractive Christ Mark i: 45. 

42 Human Sovereignty, Its Dangers and 

Blessings Psa. 81: 13. 

43 The Divine Rule of Action Col. 3: 23. . 

44 The Lord the Source and Fountain of 

All our Blessings Psa. 84: 11., 

45 The Grounds of True Courage 2 Sam. 10: 

46 Immovable Things of the Kingdom Heb. 12: 27 

47 Dishonoring God Rom. 2: 23. 

48 Prayer for Strengthening Grace Psa. 68: 28. 

49 Unworthy Communicants i Cor. 11: 29 

50 The Far Away Purposes of God Jno. 9: 3. . . 



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